University Don Links Africa's Inclusive Development to Digital Transformation
In a significant address, the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, has pinpointed digital transformation as a fundamental driver for achieving inclusive and sustainable development across Africa. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the 2026 Trinity University/Industry Management Leadership Production Development conference held at Trinity University in Yaba, Lagos, Asikhia underscored that while the potential of digital transformation is vast, its effectiveness depends critically on robust governance infrastructure and inclusive implementation strategies.
Governance and Collaboration as Critical Pillars
Professor Asikhia elaborated that governance and institutional weaknesses have persistently undermined digital transformation efforts, resulting in fragmented and unsustainable outcomes. He emphasized the urgent need for academic-industry collaboration, arguing that practical solutions must be co-designed by researchers and practitioners to ensure tangible real-world impact. "Without addressing these barriers, Africa risks leaving large segments of its population behind in the digital era," he warned, highlighting persistent challenges such as unreliable electricity, high data costs, and low digital literacy that exclude vulnerable populations from digital opportunities.
Bridging the Digital Divide for Equity
Asikhia further submitted that digital transformation can accelerate sustainable development, but only if Africa tackles structural challenges and ensures inclusivity at every stage. He noted that digital transformation is not merely about technology but about creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all Africans. This perspective aligns with broader calls for holistic approaches to development that prioritize social equity alongside technological advancement.
Support from Other Leaders
Echoing these sentiments, the Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, Professor Clement Kolawole, asserted that Africa has the potential to bypass traditional development hurdles and fast-track sustainable progress through digital transformation. Kolawole maintained that innovation, youth empowerment, and strong partnerships are keys to unlocking the future, highlighting how digital transformation is already reshaping economies by driving inclusive growth, creating opportunities, and sparking innovation across multiple sectors. He described the conference as timely, noting Africa's youthful population and expanded technology ecosystem as unique advantages that could help the continent leapfrog conventional development pathways.
Call for Synergy Between Academia and Industry
Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, represented by Chief Programme Analyst, Oracle Implementation, Oshinaike Edward, stressed the necessity for stronger synergy between academia and industry to effectively address challenges to economic transformation and the achievement of sustainable development in Africa. The commissioner emphasized that academic institutions drive research and ideas, while industry ensures implementation, scalability, and impact. "This is not just a conference, it is a decisive call to bridge the academic and industry gap; align research with real-world needs, and deliver innovative and scalable solutions for sustainable growth and global competitiveness," he stated.
Digital Transformation as an Unfolding Reality
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Folakemi Ohunakin, added that across Africa, digital transformation is no longer a distant aspiration but an unfolding reality that is reshaping economies, governance systems, education, healthcare, and social interactions. She emphasized that the true measure of this transformation lies not merely in technological advancement but in how it improves lives across all segments of society. This holistic view reinforces the conference's focus on inclusive outcomes and sustainable progress.
